Rio Rancho Car Accident Attorney
Seeking Justice for Car Crash Victims in Sandoval & Bernalillo Counties
While no one plans on being involved in a crash, car accidents are inevitable. In 2022, the traffic fatality rate in New Mexico was a whopping 28% above the national average, making it crucial for drivers to know their rights after a collision. At Law Office of Nathan Cobb, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial tolls that unexpected accidents inflict on victims and their families.
If you were hit by a negligent driver in Rio Rancho, our car accident lawyer can aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Whether you were rear-ended by a distracted driver or T-boned at a red light, our firm is dedicated to recovering the fair settlement you need you need to take back your life after a wrongful injury.
As an accomplished litigator, Attorney Nathan Cobb never shies away from a trial if necessary to achieve a just settlement, giving you peace of mind that your rights are protected in and out of the courtroom. We take pride in delivering compassionate representation in life’s most challenging seasons, freeing you to focus on healing.
Injured by a negligent driver in Rio Rancho? Our award-winning lawyer can work diligently to recover maximum compensation. Contact us onlineto discuss your case.
Dangerous Intersections for Car Accidents in Rio Rancho
Knowing your rights after a car accident is imperative to seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. Some of the most dangerous roadways in Rio Rancho include:
- NM 528 and Northern Boulevard: This area is notorious for high traffic volumes and frequent congestion, making it a hotspot for rear-end collisions.
- Unser Boulevard and Southern Boulevard: Speeding and frequent lane changes contribute to a high rate of collisions at this busy intersection.
- Broadmoor Boulevard and Loma Colorado Boulevard: This area is close to several schools and recreational areas, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Unser Boulevard and King Boulevard: Multiple turning lanes and high speed limits make this intersection prone to side-impact collisions.
- High Resort Boulevard and Riverside Drive: Complex traffic patterns and visibility issues in this area can lead to accidents when drivers fail to yield or practice unsafe driving.
What Causes Car Accidents?
Motor vehicle collisions can occur for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Roadway hazards, such as potholes or debris
- Faulty or defective vehicle parts or components
- Illegal traffic violations, such as failure to yield or use a turn signal
When the Stakes Are High,
Trust Our Proven Record of Success
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Award-Winning RepresentationRecognized on the prestigious New Mexico Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers magazine every year since 2017.
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Over 15 Years of ExperienceOur commitment to achieving the best results has shaped a strong track record of successful outcomes, even in the most challenging situations.
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Client-Centered Legal SupportWe're focused on your recovery—financially and personally—so you can move forward with your life.
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Free Case Consultation – No RiskTaking the first step toward resolution costs you nothing. We offer a free consultation to assess your legal options.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of devastating injuries and fatalities. Common injuries in car crashes include:
- Spinal cord injuries: SCIs can occur when the spinal cord is damaged during a crash, potentially leading to loss of function or sensation below the site of injury.
- Burn injuries: Victims may suffer severe burns due to fires or explosions following a collision. Burn injuries can cause significant pain and often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
- Paralysis: A partial or total inability to move parts of the body can result from traumatic injuries to the spine or brain during a crash, necessitating long-term care.
- Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when victims hit their heads on the pavement, windshield, or other hard surfaces in a collision, potentially leading to lifelong cognitive impairments and disabilities.
- Amputations: Limb loss can occur when a victim’s limbs become caught or tangled beneath heavy vehicles in an accident, necessitating surgical removal that profoundly affects their health and quality of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who Is Liable for Damages in a Car Accident Claim?
Depending on the unique circumstances of the crash, various parties may be liable for damages in a car accident. However, merely sustaining an injury isn’t enough to seek compensation after a collision. Consulting a knowledgeable car accident lawyer is essential to proving liability in your claim, especially in cases involving shared liability among multiple parties.
Common liable parties in a car accident lawsuit include:
- Other drivers: Fellow drivers may be liable if they contributed to the accident by acting negligently, such as blowing through a red light or driving while distracted.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If the crash was caused by a faulty part or equipment malfunction, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be responsible for damages.
- Local government entities: If the car accident was caused by poor road conditions, such as a pothole or inadequate signage, the local government entity responsible for maintaining safe roadways may be liable.
- Third-party companies: If the collision involved a commercial vehicle, the maintenance company may be liable if they contributed to the accident by neglecting necessary maintenance.
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Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?While it may be tempting to save money by waiving your right to legal representation, seeking sound counsel can mean the difference between recovering a full settlement and walking away empty-handed. Unfortunately, insurance companies have a reputation for dodging just payouts, making it crucial to partner with a trusted attorney. Your lawyer can protect your rights against manipulative insurers and work diligently to recover the maximum you deserve.
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What Causes Car Accidents?
Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons. When someone else's negligence causes a car accident, wrongfully injured parties may be entitled to compensation in a lawsuit. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Faulty or defective vehicle parts
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor road conditions, such as inadequate signage or debris
- Illegal traffic violations, such as failure to yield or running a red light
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Mexico?In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. Failure to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of eligibility for compensation. Consulting a qualified attorney is imperative to file your claim correctly and within the appropriate deadline.
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I Was Hit by a Distracted Driver on I-40 Near the Sandia Mountains. Can I Sue?The Sandia Mountains are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. While this area offers gorgeous panoramic views of our city, it's also a hotspot for distracted driving. If a distracted driver hit you on I-40, you may be eligible to recover compensation if the driver's negligence caused the accident and your resulting injuries. Our car accident attorney can evaluate your claim to identify liable parties and build you a robust case.
5 Steps to File a Car Accident Claim in New Mexico
Being involved in a car crash can be disorienting and overwhelming, especially while dealing with painful injuries. If you were wrongfully injured in a car accident, knowing what steps to take next is critical to exercising your right to compensation and protecting your financial security. Some important steps to take after a collision include:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you lack apparent injuries, seeking prompt medical care is essential to prioritize your health, rule out serious harm like hemorrhaging or organ damage, and create a formal record of your injuries.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to local law enforcement. Obtaining a copy of the official police report can also help support your claim later on.
- Exchange contact information: Be sure to collect contact and insurance information from the at-fault driver and other involved parties, including any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Gather evidence: Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of your injuries, vehicular damage, and other evidence to strengthen your case.
- Contact a trusted attorney: To protect your rights after a car accident, securing experienced representation is a must. A qualified attorney can provide sound counsel and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Recoverable Compensation in Car Accident Lawsuits
If you were harmed by a negligent driver, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, various damages may be available in a car accident claim. Primary types of recoverable compensation include:
- Economic Damages - These cover direct financial losses, such as hospital bills, medications and surgeries, ongoing and future treatment costs, lost earnings, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages - These cover indirect subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and scarring and disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages - These are awarded in rare cases involving extreme negligence. Unlike other damages, punitive damages are solely awarded to punish the defendant and deter recurrent behavior in the future.
Injured in a car accident in Rio Rancho? Call (505) 572-1160 to schedule a free consultation. Pay nothing until we recover a settlement.
